History of Seymour, (Wayne County) Iowa United States of America

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O. Alvin Cover, M. D., of Seymour, was born in Union county, Ill., Feb. 22, 1862.

His father, Abram Cover, was of German descent and a man of firm character and fixed habits, being recognized for his sterling worth and ability in the community where he resided. He was a soldier in the Mexican war and when the war of the rebellion broke out enlisted in the Sixth Illinois cavalry, and served his country faithfully as lieutenant of his company until receiving his discharge on account of ill health. He died at his old home in 1892. He was engaged in the milling and mercantile business and was a man of some means. At the time of his death and for several years previous, he was a licensed exhorter in the Methodist church, and was always found at his post of duty in religious work. He was married to Sophia Miller. She was a woman of more than ordinary intelligence and ability, and a shining light in the church. She possessed all the qualities of a devoted wife and a kind and loving mother. Nine children were born to them, five boys and four girls, of whom four boys and three girls are living, all residents of Illinois except the subject of this sketch; who is the youngest of the boys.

Dr. Cover received a good common school education at home, and then attended the Frankfort, Ill., high school, after which he went to the Southern Illinois Normal school. After completing his education he taught school for a period of ten years. His record in the class-room and as principal of the Alto Pass high school, gave him a place among the educational leaders of southern Illinois. But he was not satisfied with this. From the age of 18 years his one great desire was to become a physician. To this laudable ambition every energy was bent, and after a long and studious course he now occupies a high place in his profession. In the year 1891 he entered the college of physicians and surgeons in Keokuk, and at the end of one year went to Centerville, and associated himself with Prof. Robert Stephenson, remaining with him until the death of the latter. He then went into the office of Dr. J. L. Sawyers, where he remained five months. He then attended the Baltimore Medical college at Baltimore, Md., where he received the degree of M. D. in March, 1893. He was again professionally connected with Dr. Sawyers for a period of eight months of active practice; still not being satisfied and desiring further preparation for his life-work, he entered the Jefferson Medical college at Philadelphia, Pa., and received a second diploma in May, 1894. The next month he located in Seymour, Iowa, where he has since remained, enjoying a large and constantly increasing practice. He has a first-class professional standing in the county and state and holds the respect and good will of his co-workers in the cause of relieving suffering humanity, according to the allopathic school of medicine. Dr. Cover has many warm personal friends and is a favorite in social circles. He is a prominent Odd Fellow, having passed through all the chairs; is a master Mason and a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. He is the medical examiner for the New York Life Insurance company, Bankers Life association, the Modern Woodmen and the New York Mutual Life insurance

The doctor has always been an enthusiastic republican, and during his residence in Illinois participated in several hotly contested campaigns, and served as chairman of the township committee. He was several times a delegate to congressional and senatorial conventions. The one great aim of his life is to excel in his profession. Hard study and close application have already brought him up to the high rank enjoyed by many of mature years. He is a member of the Des Moines Valley Medical association.

Dr. Cover was married December 28, 1898, to Miss Jessie Llewellyn, of Seymour, Iowa.

SOURCE: Biographies and Portraits of the Progressive Men of Iowa published by Conway and Shaw, Des Moines: 1899.

History of Seymour, (Wayne County) Iowa

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